# Hip flask **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 14, 2013, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248 "2013-08-14T20:44:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Longshanks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/1 "2013-08-14T20:44:01Z")
For any of you that own a hip flask and use it on a regular basis I was wondering if any rules of etiquette exist in regards to when you use it or how and that sort of thing. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/2 "2013-08-14T21:04:23Z")
The etiquette is to use it at early spring baseball games by adding whiskey to hot chocolate while not getting observed by the ushers. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/3 "2013-08-14T21:37:20Z")
I tend to use it in movie theaters after the lights are off. Unfortunately, my most convenient flask (with black leather cover) only holds four ounces, and so it is barely worth the carry. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/4 "2013-08-14T23:19:20Z")
Be discreet, share as needed and don’t get hammered while others have to remain sober. I carry one when I need a backup to drink service, usually loaded with high proof bourbon. Take a drink of that Coke, refill with booze, and enjoy. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/5 "2013-08-14T23:25:37Z")
As a fan of fine brown stuff, I’ve looked at a flask a few times… and decided it was just too damned alky to carry one, ever. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/6 "2013-08-15T01:25:31Z")
I don’t own one, but I’ve looked into them. Problem is on amazon there are many reviews saying many are now cheaply made and leak. So I don’t know where to find a good one that is still affordable. As to when to use one, when people aren’t watching is always good. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/7 "2013-08-15T01:38:01Z")
There used to be a site called “The Sovietski Collection” that had flasks imported from Russia with various Russian crests on them. Very high quality flasks, I own maybe a half dozen of them. Check [ebay](http://stores.ebay.com/Beauty-of-Russia/SOVIET-RUSSIAN-FLASKS-/_i.html?_fsub=440632014). ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/8 "2013-08-15T02:07:01Z")
They’re great for concerts when you dont feel like paying $8 per drink. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/9 "2013-08-15T02:17:25Z")
Oh, this is a thread for me! Love 'em. I’ve been carrying one forever. That said, they’re the opposite of inconspicuous when spotted so they’ve got nothing on the stealth of modern disposable packaging like a re-purposed plastic soda bottle. It’s quaint to be seen drinking from one, unless the person who spots you is some sort of official, bouncer, or bartender. Honestly, that’s probably why I carry one, ironically, to be seen with it - rather than incognito. I started carrying a flask when I was too poor to drink all night at college bars. I’d buy a few beers because I’m not a total bastard. Then I’d switch to Cokes and spike them with a quick pour under the table. If I felt really cheap, I’d tell the bartender I was the designated driver and get the Coke free. So sometimes I was a total bastard. After college, most of my flask use has been vacations and conferences - destinations where I was never expected to drive, and I wanted to have a supply of affordable liquor store priced booze on hand. When the conference bar announces that open bar ends at nine, and after that it’s cash, suddenly a bunch of drunken grad students think I’m the smartest guy in the room for having a topped off flask of whiskey in my back pocket. Dry weddings _shudders_ and funerals are also great times to have a flask on hand. I’ve been the hero of my reception table, and managed to calm a soon to be hysteric after a graveside service (a hefty slug of 101 proof somehow induces a burning calm.) I think mine came from the engraving store in a mall. It’s held up great. Coleman (the camping company) also makes them, and I’d wager theirs is solid too. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/10 "2013-08-15T02:22:56Z")
(timed out) mine’s 7oz, and that’s proven to be a good size. Much bigger, and they don’t carry well. Smaller, and why bother? If I’m sharing, I’ll have to duck out at some point to top it off if possible. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/11 "2013-08-15T02:38:32Z")
How difficult is it really to get a drink anyway? Establishments the serve alcohol are practically everywhere, and you are so desperate for a drink you can’t be without for even a few hours? If I saw anyone using a flask socially who wasn’t a college kid or at a tailgate party I’d kind of assume they had serious alcohol issues. I could be wrong but that’s what I would assume. Most of the people I’ve seen using flasks (who I know) have been alcoholics. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/12 "2013-08-15T02:54:10Z")
If I didn’t know better, I’d say any number of us were just insulted. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/13 "2013-08-15T08:42:33Z")
> [@astro](#): > > How difficult is it really to get a drink anyway? Establishments the serve alcohol are practically everywhere, and you are so desperate for a drink you can’t be without for even a few hours? If I saw anyone using a flask socially who wasn’t a college kid or at a tailgate party I’d kind of assume they had serious alcohol issues. I could be wrong but that’s what I would assume. Most of the people I’ve seen using flasks (who I know) have been alcoholics. I don’t carry a flask. However, I’ve lived in a few states that had dry and wet counties, and I’ve also gone to a number of events where alcohol wasn’t served. Even if alcohol is served, one might not want to pay the price that’s charged, as noted above. So getting a drink might be a matter of where you live. I’ve thought about carrying a flask in the crown of my hat, similar to Archchancellor Ridcully. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/14 "2013-08-15T11:48:01Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > If I didn’t know better, I’d say any number of us were just insulted. Yeahbut, you’re all drunks and you won’t remember any of this come the morning. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/15 "2013-08-15T13:24:56Z")
> [@astro](#): > > How difficult is it really to get a drink anyway? Establishments the serve alcohol are practically everywhere, and you are so desperate for a drink you can’t be without for even a few hours? If I saw anyone using a flask socially who wasn’t a college kid or at a tailgate party I’d kind of assume they had serious alcohol issues. I could be wrong but that’s what I would assume. Most of the people I’ve seen using flasks (who I know) have been alcoholics. I rarely drink, so I’m certainly not an alcoholic. I’m just cheap. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/16 "2013-08-15T13:45:48Z")
Agreed. The difficulty is not in finding a drink. The challenge comes from not overwhelming your entertainment budget. Between my Wife’s Rum Runner plastic flasks and my “water bottle” we can save quite a few dollars every month. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/17 "2013-08-15T13:57:05Z")
Here in the quaint northeast, the liquor stores sell pocket pouches of booze. I’ve never seen them before; I suspect they’re illegal in California. I regard them much like flasks and while astro might be a little harsh… really, gents, if you have to carry your tipple with you, I can’t think of an argument against saying you’ve got a problem. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/18 "2013-08-15T14:02:52Z")
> [@astro](#): > > How difficult is it really to get a drink anyway? Establishments the serve alcohol are practically everywhere, and you are so desperate for a drink you can’t be without for even a few hours? On the water, watering holes are few and far between. I often trade a shot for a beer with fellow kayakers. ---
**Author:** ![Recusant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/838e76/32.png) [@Recusant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Recusant)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/19 "2013-08-15T14:16:09Z")
There’s a very entrenched psychological air surrounding hip flasks- one that can be absolute _oodles_ of fun to play with. Despite the fact that all it is is a shaped metal container for holding liquids that you can buy for a couple bucks at Wal-Mart, people see you carrying one and assume you’re an alcoholic. This makes it so that even though most people use them discreetly, you can achieve wonderful results using one flashily- on more than one occasion, back in college, I used a flask filled with water to distract people enough to let others sneak by with real booze. And when they start seeing through that, you start filling it with liquor yourself. One more serious note, though: if you carry it next to your body for more than a few hours, it can and will heat up. Bear that in mind if you like it cold. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248/20 "2013-08-15T14:37:13Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > Here in the quaint northeast, the liquor stores sell pocket pouches of booze. I’ve never seen them before;\*\* I suspect they’re illegal in California\*\*. Nope. I’ve seen them in any number of liquor stores out here. The problem is that they are filled with really cheap booze. If I’m carrying a flask, it’s likely filled with single malt. Stuff that would set you back $20 a shot at a bar. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hip-flask/666248.md?page=2)